Mon., Mar. 12, 2018
12:00 AM MDTClubs may negotiate with unrestricted free agentsMarch 12-14: Clubs are permitted to contact, and enter into contract negotiations with, the certified agents of players who will become Unrestricted Free Agents upon the expiration of their 2017 player contracts at 4:00 p.m., New York time, on March 14. However, a contract cannot be executed with a new club until 4:00 p.m., New York time, on March 14.

Prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, clubs must exercise options for 2018 on all players who have option clauses in their 2017 contracts.

Prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, clubs must submit qualifying offers to their Restricted Free Agents with expiring contracts to retain a Right of First Refusal/Compensation.

Prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, clubs must submit a minimum salary tender to retain exclusive negotiating rights to their players with expiring 2017 contracts who have fewer than three accrued seasons of free agency credit.

Top 51 begins. All clubs must be under the 2018 salary cap prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time.

All 2017 player contracts will expire at 4:00 p.m., New York time.

The 2018 league year and free agency period begin at 4:00 p.m., New York time.

The first day of the 2018 league year will end at 11:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 14. Clubs will receive a personnel notice that will include all transactions submitted to the league office during the period between 4:00 p.m., New York time, and 11:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 14.

The first day of the 2018 league year will end at 11:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 14. Clubs will receive a personnel notice that will include all transactions submitted to the league office during the period between 4:00 p.m., New York time, and 11:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 14.

Trading period for 2018 begins at 4:00 p.m., New York time, after expiration of all 2017 contracts.

On Monday, the Broncos released linebacker D.J. Williams and quarterback Caleb Hanie.

Both players were released on Monday, an active day for the club, as Denver also agreed to terms with safety David Bruton on a three-year deal.

“We appreciate the contributions made by D.J. Williams during his time with the Broncos,” Executive Vice President of Football Operations John Elway said. “He was a solid player with this team for a number of years, showing a lot of versatility at linebacker. Our organization wishes D.J. all the best going forward.”

Williams spent his first nine NFL seasons with the Broncos, starting at weakside, inside, strongside and middle linebacker. He owns five 100-tackle seasons, leading the team in that category in five of his nine years as a Bronco.

He is one of just five players with at least 800 tackles and 20 sacks since he entered the league in 2004, according to press box statistics, and was tied with cornerback Champ Bailey as the club's longest-tenured player.

He played in just seven games last season due to suspension.

Hanie, a five-year veteran, was inactive for all 16 games for the Broncos in 2012. In his career, he has started four games and thrown for 679 yards and three touchdowns with 10 interceptions.

"We’re in that process of trying to improve our football team," Fox said at the NFL Scouting Combine. "We want to hoist that trophy. That’s what every single thing we do is aspiring to do.”